Council bosses decided NOT to hold a wide-ranging investigation into the death of a boy who died after an asthma attack at school, the MEN can reveal.
Stockport council officials considered carrying out a serious case review into the 11-year-old's death THREE times – but each time decided against.
The news came after an inquest jury found a catalogue of errors and neglect by staff at Offerton High School 'significantly contributed' to Sam's death.
He was left to sit in a corridor after suffering the attack while teachers failed to call an ambulance.
Parents Paul and Karen Linton are now considering legal action against the council.
The M.E.N understands officials in charge of safeguarding Stockport children did not believe the case met the criteria for a full serious case review.
However Government guidance says a such a review should be held 'when a child dies and abuse or neglect is known or suspected to be a factor in the death.'
A serious case review is an official probe designed to look at the actions of all agencies and individuals involved in the death of a child.
Instead, Stockport council decided to hold an internal 'management review' – the results of which have been kept private.
Neglect
The inquest, at Stockport coroner's court, returned a verdict of death by natural causes 'significantly contributed to' by neglect
The jury found Sam could have been saved if staff had called an ambulance immediately after the attack.
Coroner John Pollard said: “On three separate occasions, the case was considered by the serious case review panel.
“It was not considered necessary for a serious case review but there should be a management review.”
Stockport council last night refused to comment on why no such review was held and whether anyone was going to face disciplinary action over Sam's death.
Ann Coffey, MP for Stockport, slammed the 'wall of silence' and called for answers.
“Parents living in my constituency who have children who suffer from asthma would want to see a quick response from the council and to be absolutely assured that proper procedures are in place in all schools to ensure that this never happens again,” she said.
Mr Linton said: "We are pleased that the verdict didn't make any one person a scapegoat because as far as we are concerned everyone was at fault.
“Chances are they could have blamed Sam's death on one person in particular but apart from the doctors, who did their best, they all played a part.
“There was no training in place but that is no excuse because nobody even used their common sense to just call an ambulance. That is the worst thing.
Painful
“He had a painful death but his death could have been prevented if someone had just called an ambulance. If they had done that I am almost 100 per cent certain he would be with us today.
"The way asthma in schools is dealt with across the country needs to be changed. Deaths of children can be prevented if there is a proper system in place.
"All we can hope for now is that this never happens again but it won't bring Sam back."
After the inquest the council issued a statement, also on behalf of the school,which said: "The death of a young person is an occasion of profound sadness and we extend our deepest sympathy to Samuel's parents and family.
"The school and local authority will continue to take steps to address the issues identified from Samuel's death.
"We are now considering the inquest verdict and the recommendations of the coroner as a matter of urgency and will take all necessary actions identified and needed."
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Knowsleyman, Paphos (19/03/2010 at 09:44)
After this Jury verdict heads should start to roll, starting with the uncaring teacher concerned, then the head teacher and all others involved to a lesser degree.
Natural justice demands suspension, then a full internal investigation, using the Coroner's findings fully, be instigated, as quickly as possible. This to be followed by dismissal from their duties as they failed in their duty of care to the child and should not be allowed to continue.
Anything less will continue the attempted cover up.
old joe , radcliffe (19/03/2010 at 10:19)
Wes Brown (19/03/2010 at 10:21)
Having the pupil outside where you can't even see them and keep an eye out on them, well, that is asking for trouble, he should have been sent to see the school nurse
annon (19/03/2010 at 10:27)
I have asthma and I've experiended people (not the medical profession) kind of dismissing it as being a bit out of breath when i've had attacks and been made to feel like I'm a bit of a pain for it. No matter how mild or severe the attack, in my opionion A&E should always be the way to go to recieve a full assesment as the severety can change so quickly.
This boy was severely let down and surely the school could have contacted his parents for advice on his treatment or for him to be picked up if they were unsure as what to do?
The Ant Hill Mob , In the Bulletproof Bomb 7 (the Roaring Plenty) (19/03/2010 at 13:23)
This school is woefull and should have been closed down years ago. As an ex pupil I beleive I have just a right than anyone to voice my opinion on this institution of lower learning.
Ivan53, Old Trafford (19/03/2010 at 14:18)
blizzard, Midlands (19/03/2010 at 14:33)
Who are they accountable to? I would love to know.
I hope these parents sue the backside off this organisation, maybe then Stockport ratepayers will take matters up and demand justice for this poor, poor boy.
Philip Albericci (19/03/2010 at 15:00)
Go on Stockport Council prove me wrong. Hold a full enquiry. Perhaps then the teacher concerned will have the decency to resign or if not GET THE SACK.
Very concerned parent, Marple
Jean - Moston Expat, Brisbane Australia (19/03/2010 at 15:09)
The Mucker (19/03/2010 at 15:56)
The difference I think is that was nearly 30 years ago, and rules and regulations regarding the care of children appear to me to have got considerably worse. The Secretary would not be allowed to take him to the GP anymore because of health and safety rules in case she had an accident.
Why can we not go back to those days when things were so much simpler.
Christian, Stockport (19/03/2010 at 16:27)
How many more young children of Stockport are at risk from your organisations complete incompetence?
Will the anticipated 10% cost reductions in staff & budgets @ SMBC after the General Election alter this organisations effectiveness to operate - by the current judgement it could not get much worse!
These Civil Servants are appointed by the Councillors ask them why these ineffective, politically correct, backboneless, public servants were appointed!!
Cat Stabber, Strangeways (19/03/2010 at 17:06)
Esso Blue. Apple Blossom time, Manchester (19/03/2010 at 17:12)
Lucullus, Glossop (19/03/2010 at 17:32)
andy (19/03/2010 at 21:41)
There are times when it is right that lessons should be learned from tragedy, but this is not one of them. On this occasion negligence is so absolute that the only recourse is for criminal charges to be brought against ALL those who were responsible for this young man. I trust GMP will be invesigating.
My sincere condolences to Sam's parents for their tragic and totally needless loss.